A media report suggests that the govt plans to amend the Identification of Prisoners Act to enable the use/databasing of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) and other biometrics including foot & palm prints, photos, iris & retina images, voice samples, and vein patterns. (1/6)
The government reportedly aims to table this Bill in the Monsoon Session of Parliament. To find out more information about this Bill, we have filed an RTI with MHA and we will keep you posted. (2/6) 
When NCRB issued a tender for an Automated Facial Recognition System in June 2019, we sent a legal notice highlighting the illegality of such a move without any statutory basis. You can read the legal notice here: internetfreedom.in/maskon/ (3/6)
NCRB responded to our legal notice and claimed that the legal basis for AFRS was a CCTNS Cabinet Note from 2009. We promptly sent a rejoinder clarifying why a cabinet note does not satisfy the requirement of legality. Read it here: internetfreedom.in/the-ncrb-respo… (4/6)
While granting use of FRT a legislative basis is important, there is much more that needs to be done. Prior to introducing such legislation, the government must conduct a privacy impact assessment and public consultation. (5/6)
Any proposed Bill should limit the purposes for which FRT can be used, limit whose images can be used by FRT and introduce independent oversight in the process. In the absence of these minimum safeguards, FRT could become an unconstitutional tool of mass surveillance. (6/6)
RTI Update!
NCRB has not clearly confirmed or denied whether it plans to amend the Identification of Prisoners Act to provide a legal basis for facial recognition systems.
NCRB has not clearly confirmed or denied whether it plans to amend the Identification of Prisoners Act to provide a legal basis for facial recognition systems.
We will continue pursuing this and file an appeal to get clear answers about any proposed Bill to legalise use of facial recognition in India.
